Work commission finds Australian journalist who shared Gaza starvation report was fired
The Australian Fair Work Commission has dismissed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s claim that journalist Antoinette Lattouf was not “terminated” from her employment following the sharing of information on Israel’s war on Gaza.
Lattouf’s short-term contract with ABC was cut short in December, after she shared a Human Rights Watch report alleging the Israeli government was deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza.
The 50-page ruling by the commission dismissed the ABC’s claim that Lattouf’s “unlawful termination” case was not in the commission’s jurisdiction, though it did not consider the reasons Lattouf was terminated.
Her case can now proceed to the Federal Court, Lattouf’s lawyer Josh Bornstein said in a post on X.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), an organisation which represents Australian journalists, described the decision as “an important outcome for the right of journalists to do their jobs [without fear or favour]”.
On Sunday, Lattouf shared a post on X: “Palestinian children are being deliberately starved to death by Australia’s ally. I will keep saying it”.
Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Palestinian children are being deliberately starved to death by Australia’s ally.
I will keep saying it.
I will keep sharing it. pic.twitter.com/F4B3WR4aPz
— Antoinette Lattouf (@antoinette_news) June 1, 2024
Photos: Thousands rally in New York in support of Israel, call for return of captives
Is it my imagination or are nearly all of these pro-Israel supporters white people
Palestinian supporters also turned up, holding banners denouncing Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza
Gideon Levy – Israel has achieved nothing with war on Gaza
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy speaks to The Bottom Line on the implications of Israel’s strategy for long-term war in Gaza.
He tells host Steve Clemons that even if Israeli politicians abandon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel would continue its war on Gaza and occupation of the Palestinian people’s territory as a whole.
A “radical change” in Israeli attitude and US support is needed for any improvement in the situation, he adds.
Depressing take, but I agree with Levy, Israel isn't going to change on its own. There will be no ceasefire deal, not even if Gantz replaces Netanyahu. As long as the US keeps protecting and funding Israel, nothing will change. Biden has to make a choice.
